Jamie Foxx Claims N-Word Chaos at BAFTA Awards Was Intentional, Not Caused by Tourette’s
During the ceremony in London on February 22, a racial slur was shouted from the audience while Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo were on stage presenting the first award of the night. A video clip quickly spread online. The two actors paused for a moment, then continued with the presentation.
A spokesperson for BBC said the language came from a guest who has Tourette syndrome. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention defines Tourette syndrome as a nervous system condition that causes sudden and repeated tics, including sounds or words. The BBC said the outburst was involuntary and not intentional, and apologized for any offense caused.
Alan Cumming thanked the audience for their “understanding” after repeated outbursts from Tourette’s campaigner John Davidson interrupted the BAFTAs.
— cinesthetic. (@TheCinesthetic) February 22, 2026
During one moment, n-word was shouted while Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo were on stage. pic.twitter.com/BHx7AoZDab
Foxx did not agree with that explanation. He reacted in the comments section of a video posted on Instagram by the account @theneighborhoodtalk. He wrote, “Nah he meant that sh*** In another comment, he added, “Out of all the words you could’ve said Tourette’s makes you say that. Unacceptable.”
Many people in the comment section supported Foxx. One person wrote, “They be having Dementia, Alzheimer’s, and a few other things & still remember that word.” Another said, “That just mean it was already on his mind.. he just couldn’t hold it in. Crazy.” A third added, “So what, he get a free pass? Hell tf not. He need to be held accountable.” Someone else commented, “The fact that it wasn’t censored is VERY TELLING.” Another person wrote, “Correct me if I’m wrong tourette’s is uncontrollable sounds and words that come out that you’re thinking.”
Sadly, all those comments, including Foxx’s, are ignorant, as this is exactly how Tourette’s works. The word you least want to say in the given situation is the one you will sadly shout, like announcing a bank robbery while entering a bank.
The person who shouted the slur was John Davidson, a Tourette syndrome campaigner. He attended the ceremony in support of the film “I Swear,” which tells the story of his life and diagnosis. The title refers to the uncontrollable swearing that can be linked to the condition.
Variety also reported that there were other disruptions during the event at London’s Royal Festival Hall. Outbursts were allegedly heard during remarks by BAFTA chair Sara Putt and again when the award for best children’s and family film was accepted.
Host Alan Cumming addressed the strong language during the ceremony. He explained that Tourette syndrome is a disability that can involve involuntary verbal tics and apologized to anyone who felt offended.
The incident has sparked debate online. Some people believe the medical explanation. Others, like Foxx, believe the word was used on purpose. The discussion continues as more clips and reactions circulate on social media.
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